Israel cuts off commercial goods to Gaza as Hamas is accused of taxing merchants into halting winter food supplies

The halt covers fruit, meat and winter clothing, cutting off supplies that aid groups say are essential to controlling food prices. Palestinian truckers and Hamas both deny the tax claims, with Hamas insisting it has collected no commercial fees for three years of war.

Gaza is entirely dependent on Israel-approved crossings for all supplies, meaning even a short suspension can rapidly worsen hunger as winter closes in.

Hamas told ceasefire mediators including Egypt, Qatar and Turkey the 10,000-shekel figure referred to a voluntary business fund, not a tax — but COGAT says one merchant's son was arrested for refusing to comply.

Aid group the Norwegian Refugee Council warned the humanitarian sector alone cannot meet Gaza's needs and called for commercial markets to be restored immediately.